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Uncover a world of new skills combined with amazing destinations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular adventures deliver a superb mix of education and escape.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including absolute newcomers will rapidly be ascending sheltered Peak District outcrops on this two-day course. Attendees will master tying in, belaying and several climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. Limited to six learners to one instructor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The course is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-residential option, but you can find a selection of recommended, budget-friendly lodging nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a short stroll from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, plus weekday courses most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will be taught how to plan and create non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with guests producing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost encompasses five days of art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and other local sights.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, combined with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

Cost: Starting at €900 for a five-day retreat. Available from March 20th, May 8th, 11 September and November 13th.

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then three 90-minute classes covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: Starting at 429 pounds. Dates 31 January-3 February and October 31st to November 3rd.

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including story structure, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees understand the fundamentals of apiary management, study the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

Cost: £248. Dates on May 30th-31st and 5-6 September.

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

Cost: Starting at 299 pounds. Dates on 18-20 July and 4-6 September.

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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